Home cinema/audio question

[Uptime]

Ok, I've ordered the 26" LE Samsung finally , and obviosuly have the Xbox 360, so almost there...

But I'm missing one last thing... audio!! What do you guys recommend me do? Home cinema system with/without DVD player? Are they easy to connect to the 360? If the 360 DVD player isn't up to scratch I wouldn't mind having a DVD player with it which is compatible with the HDMI port and progressive scan, but my budget is ?250 and my main priority is speakers for the ultimate Xbox 360 experience!!

Or is there something else I should go for?

[mid]

What sort of surround setup are you going for? The 360 has an optical output, so whatever system you buy, you need one that takes that.

[Uptime]

Mid = sorry, note I changed my post a bit

I haven't really seen anything I like set and don't want to delve too much as I have no idea about compatabilty issues surround a home cinema/sound stsytem with a HDTV and the Xbox 360...

I'm pretty much open to anything anyone can advice me.

[jammi]

home cinema speakers will depend on which route you want to go down e.g. amp + speakers or all in one package.

some of the cheap all-in-ones dont even have optical so I dont see a point but can be had for around a ?100, on the other had you can just go for a nice AV reciver and a good 2.1 setup and add speakers as you have more money, atm you can pick up some nice componet av receivers (2-3 component inputs) for about ?200-250, cable wise all you would really need is a optical cable to go from the xbox360 hd cable to your av amp. hope this helps.

A nice 2.1 setup is better then a cheap all-in-one 5.1 from argos.

[Typhoon Thompson]

I am in the same situation right now.
I am going to go for an all in one DVD and Surround set up. Just so its less hassle. You can get sub ?300 surround which covers all the bases i.e. DTS, 5.1 and pro logic and also multi region DVD. Most places seem to not mention systems with optical inputs, but my mate has a JVC DVD and surround all in one which has an optical input and that was ?300 over a year ago now.

If you want a future proof set up then spend money on seperates as you can always upgrade the system bit by bit.

I am off to Richer Sounds tomorrow to get my set up. Have used them before and they seem to have knowledgeable staff unlike most other big retail places.

[jammi]

im currently running Xbox360, Xbox, PS2 > Component+Optical > Denon AVR3805 > Tannoy 5.1 and my HD Panny 42"

iv seen very nice AV Amps for about ?240 i know this is more then you would like to spend but i think you could get the full setup for about ?300

http://www.petertyson.co.uk/yamaharxv457.shtml

http://www.petertyson.co.uk/yamahansp110.shtml

this amp has 2 component inputs (one for the PS3)

[Uptime]

jammi and typhoon - thank you both for your help!

I just read an article on the richersounds website about buying seperates or all-in-one system. Although sepeates do make more sense I will be going for an all-in-one set up simply because of the cost and less hassle.

But I'm willing to pay close to ?250 for a DVD/surround setup combo. So I just need to make sure then that there's an optical output. I'll have a search for some now!...

[Uptime]

im currently running Xbox360, Xbox, PS2 > Component+Optical > Denon AVR3805 > Tannoy 5.1 and my HD Panny 42"

iv seen very nice AV Amps for about ?240 i know this is more then you would like to spend but i think you could get the full setup for about ?300

http://www.petertyson.co.uk/yamaharxv457.shtml

http://www.petertyson.co.uk/yamahansp110.shtml

this amp has 2 component inputs (one for the PS3)

Thanks for the links jammi. You've seriosuly got me tempted now this those 2 products...

[mid]

The Xbox360 already does 576p, so unless you need the multi-region abilities, ?250 for an amp and some speakers is a much better idea than ?100 for a decent new DVD player and ?150 for amp+speakers.

Oh, and at ?70 that speaker set is a bargain; it's ?100 at Richer.

[25.05.2005]

I got a Yamaha AV57 Pavk - which I recommend to anyone on a budget.

It has 5.1 speakers and a Yamaha receiver that takes all sorts of a connections at the back - including 2 optical audio, 1 coaxial audio, standard 5.1 inputs, stereo, component inputs etc.

Got it for ?160 from Empire Direct. Really pleased.

[mid]

The Sony equivalent went down a storm with my parents, certainly.

[Uptime]

The Xbox360 already does 576p, so unless you need the multi-region abilities, ?250 for an amp and some speakers is a much better idea than ?100 for a decent new DVD player and ?150 for amp+speakers.

Oh, and at ?70 that speaker set is a bargain; it's ?100 at Richer.

I mentioned the possible need for a DVD player as EvilBoris mentioned in a new thread not long ago something negative about the DVD playback in the 360 although I can't remember exactly what...

Thanks Kop for the Yamaha, gives me another option

[tonyk100]

The Yamaha AV57 Pack has HDMI pass through as well. So not only can you us the optical on the 360, (and DPLII from the GC) but in theory you could pass the feed from you Sky ++ High Def box and HD-DVD (this time next year) through the amp and up to the Sammy via one cable with source switching.